Whitecaps FC Residency continue undefeated start against Strikers FC

Vancouver Whitecaps FC Residency teams continued their undefeated starts to the 2013-14 United States Development Academy Season (USSDA) on Sunday against division rivals Strikers FC. Playing at Whatcom Community College in Bellingham, Washington, the U-18 boys (5W-0L-0D) won 4-2 while the U-16 team (4W-0L-1D) played to a 2-2 draw.

U-18

The U-18 'Caps made it five wins in five matches to start the season by easily dispatching their opponents from California.

Kianz Froese opened the scoring on seven minutes through a fine solo effort when he cut inside and unleashed a 20-yard strike into the back of the net.

Froese then doubled the score with his second goal on 32 minutes, smashing in a loose ball after a cross into the box ended up on his feet.

The Strikers cut the deficit to one on 55 minutes, but the 'Caps were back in control on 79 minutes when Marco Bustos received a pass from Mark Baldisimo at the top of the box and fired home a third goal to make it 3-1.

Newcomer Mason James put the match away on 83 minutes after sneaking in at the back post and finishing a ball sent in from Froese for a 4-1 score.

The Strikers caught the Blue and White off guard on 90 minutes and finished a breakaway, but in the end the 'Caps came away with a comfortable 4-2 victory.

On a very wet afternoon in Washington, the U-16 'Caps were unlucky not to join their older counterparts with a perfect five for five start, but the younger squad did remain undefeated in what has been a very promising opening stretch to their season.

After not conceding a single goal through their first four matches, the Blue and White finally conceded a pair of tallies. Dario Zanatta and Jeevin Kang provided the goals for Vancouver to ensure a point.

The 'Caps took control of the match early. Kang found the back of the net on 14 minutes before Zanatta doubled the advantage on 26 minutes.

The Strikers stormed back after the break though, getting a goal from Marcos Fernandez on 53 minutes before an unfortunate own goal off of Francesco Saporito on 67 minutes evened the match at 2-2.

In the end, though they deserved more, the 'Caps took a point as they remain atop their division.